Waterberry Zambezi Lodge

Waterberry Zambezi Lodge is close enough to Livingstone and the Victoria Falls to enjoy all the activities there, but far enough away to escape the crowds and feel a real sensation of being in the wild.

The double, twin or family bedrooms are open to the high thatch, nice and cooling in the hot sun, with comfortable beds, en suite bathrooms, mosquito nets, overhead fans and air conditioning. All have private decks overlooking the river or a private dam. Great for sundowners, private dinners, birdwatching or just sitting around with a good book.

Waterberry has seven rooms, including secluded riverside doubles, lakeside rooms with extra beds and two family units with adjoining bedrooms.

You'll drive there in a Waterberry Lodge vehicle and walk the Falls – you can choose whether to do so accompanied by a guide or alone. The vehicle will carry towels when the water levels are high, cool drinks for you to enjoy after your strenuous walk around the Falls, and the driver will guard your valuables. There's a very good craft market at the top of the Falls for souvenir hunting. The Falls and the Zambezi River form the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Zambezi river cruises

A sunset cruise with sundowners, snacks and a knowledgeable guide will be a highlight of your stay. Boats are available for daytime cruises, island picnics and birdwatching or fishing trips, and to take you up river to visit the local village.

Fishing

Depending on how many want to fish, you can use either a 10 seater or four seater boat. This will go out for a half-day trip with a fishing guide. Fishing is for tiger and bream and varies with the height of the river and the season. The policy is to catch and release. Fishing tackle is available for use, upon request.

Birding

Waterberry's expert guides will take you bird watching either on the Zambezi, or through the bush along the riverbank with an excellent variety of birds. Really keen birders can travel out to other river and bush sites, all within easy striking distance of the lodge.

Village walk

The staff, many of whom live in the local village, suggest a guided village tours to show guests the rural Zambian way of life. The income from those walks and the generosity of guests now support the local preschool, and pay and train the teachers. A visit to the village can be a fascinating experience – including seeing the novel chicken coops, display of iron smelting from the headman of one of the villages as he makes traditional axes. Village ladies weave baskets and mats for sale.

Town tour

A Livingstone town tour shows you a fascinating mix of traditional Zambia. Maramba Market is where Zambians shop for everything and is a truly fascinating and colourful experience and classic old colonial buildings. The museum is an enlightening way to discover the area's history and there is another opportunity to shop for souvenirs at the town centre curio market.